Posted 4/27/2016 5:35 PM (GMT -5)
Dear Ziggymonster,
Hurrah ! You got through your first chemotherapy infusion --- now you'll know the "drill" for the next round, as each infusion follows a similar pattern ---
Glad to hear you are drinking plenty of water and juices --- it's essential to help the body cleanse the toxic properties of the chemo infusions from your system --- it will really help you "rebound" after each treatment if you stay very hydrated --- water --- the magic elixir --- DRINK THE WATER, right ?!!
I remember that after about my third treatment, I slacked off on the water consumption --- I quickly learned that I didn't rebound as quickly that time --- lesson learned --- no substitute for water. Everyone here who's been through chemo seems to agree whole-heartedly --- plenty of first-hand testimonials !
Rest as you need to, Ziggymonster --- but if you can, try to walk around the block a couple of times each day --- or walk the dog to the park --- some simple form of exercise, whatever you can manage --- because keeping the circulation going ALSO helps clear the toxins out of your system --- exercise will open up the pores and sweat glands and help the body cleanse itself of additional toxins.
For more comfortable sleeping --- cool cotton sheets and cool cotton pillowcases --- you might experience night sweats, and if you do --- put double pillowcases on your pillows --- a ceiling fan or room fan can also help you rest in cool comfort --- and I kept a glass of ice water by my bed at night ---
My doctor knew it was important to me to stay on track at my work, so he timed my chemo infusions for very late in the day on Wednesday afternoons --- hoping that the inevitable "chemo crash" would subsequently fall on the weekends --- although the timing of the "chemo crash" can vary from one fellow to another, my "chemo crash" DID fall on the weekends --- the steroids help you through the first couple of days --- by the weekend, usually about Saturday evening, I'd feel the crash --- fairly mild and tolerable in my case --- but you do feel a sense of lethargy or general malaise overtaking you --- best advice, make best friends with your couch on those evenings and rest up a bit and let your body restore itself ---
By Monday and Tuesday, back at work, I would literally feel my body's energy "ramping up" again --- as if your inner batteries are recharging. Within a few days, you'll feel like yourself again ---
I've got good friends who also went through the same chemo treatments that I did --- each of them asked, "Be honest ... give it to me straight ... how bad is CHEMO CRASH?" I told them that my best description is almost like the day before you begin catching the flu --- feeling like your tail is dragging and that you just want to rest peacefully on the couch. The other way I described CHEMO CRASH is comparing it to waking up with a mild hangover after a fraternity party back in your college days ... most fellows smile and say, "Ahhh ... now I know what to expect. Thanks for the honest description."
As well, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, freshly blended juices, herbal teas without caffeine, water consumption, and fiber ALSO play a role in helping the digestive tract do its job in helping to remove the toxic properties of the chemo infusion.
If you experience the sensation of the chemo "sweating out of your pores" --- don't be alarmed --- just take an extra shower --- it happened to me for a couple of nights after each infusion --- I'd wake up in the middle of the night and it was almost like whiskey sweating out of one's pores, after a night spent at the pubs ---
In a few days, your body will rebound as the chemo is processed by the body --- and your immune system begins to restore itself, before the next infusion.
In your post, you asked about NEULASTA --- even though my side effects were mild, my oncologist discovered that the chemo was trashing my immune system --- so, he prescribed a NEULASTA shot after each infusion --- the price tag at that time in 2014 was about $4,500 per shot, but in my case, insurance completely covered the price.
At first, I resented the fact that I needed the NEULASTA shot --- but then my main chemo nurse reframed it for me and stated, "This is what you need to get your immune system back on track after each chemo infusion. It will help restore your immunity, allowing you to continue teaching in your classroom each day with all those elementary students of yours. The shot will ALSO help your body restore itself in time for your next chemo infusion --- allowing you to stay on track with your treatments."
WOW ! That was a revelation --- and certainly a new way of looking at the NEULASTA shot after she framed it for me in those terms. So her words might also inspire you to look at the NEULASTA shot as just an extra precautionary measure that is helping to restore your immunity system after each chemo infusion.
Yeah --- you can keep your current PSA locked up in the safe for now --- instead, a better form of encouragement will be your NEXT PSA score --- after this first round of chemo has had its chance to work its cytotoxic powers in attacking the fire-breathing dragon ! That's the score to look forward to, I say !
Stay in touch with us through your course of treatments, Ziggymonster --- the fellows are right here to support you, now that you're a verified member of the "Chemo Country Club" --- hoping that your side effects are mild and tolerable.
Handshake across the miles, from one brother to another,
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University